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Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri and Deputy Governor Joash Maangi have accused Governor James Ongwae of betrayal and dishonesty as they sought to explain their exit from ODM to DAP-K and UDA, respectively.

Maangi, who has been Governor Ongwae’s deputy for nine years, branded his boss “a sheep in wolf’s skin,” accusing him of using him to win a second term before dumping him.

“My boss, whom I have served diligently as his deputy for two terms, is a gentleman. But his actions and words betray him. He says one thing but means something else,” Maangi said while explaining the reason why for his quitting ODM to UDA. He went on: “Ongwae did not want to support me, neither is he keen on supporting an ODM aspirant, to succeed him.”

Signs on the wall

“Betrayal signs were clearly on the wall, and I did not have to wait. I had to switch allegiance to UDA, under whose flag I seek to represent Kisii residents as senator,” he added. He regretted working with Ongwae, but ruled out resigning from his seat after defecting to UDA, saying he’ll cling to the end. Separately, Ongeri accused Ongwae of sidelining him and supporting an “outsider” to succeed him.

But Ongwae, while addressing journalists in Kisii, distanced himself from the defections. He said they might be afraid of the party’s nomination process and might be seeking direct tickets.

“Five months in politics is a long time. I will find out why,” he added, suggesting he wanted to know why hitherto ODM stalwarts were decamping.

Ongeri, who defected to the Democratic Action Party-Kenya on Monday, is among 11 aspirants who want to succeed Ongwae.

Maangi is eyeing the Kisii senatorial seat on an UDA ticket. During a rally on Monday at Nyanturago Stadium, Ongeri urged the Kisii electorate to support his bid. “I believe we must seek peace because this is also a Biblical calling. Therefore, we are going to work together as a nation of Kenya and not as small pieces of Kenyans. We shall be able to embrace peace as our vanguard,” he said.

Undivided Azimio bloc

He defended his move to DAP-K saying it is aimed at ensuring Gusii region approaches the 2022 General Election as an undivided Azimio La Umoja bloc. This would accord the electorate full participatory democracy in the process of vetting leaders, he said.

“The rationale for creation of Azimio La Umoja umbrella was to widen the democratic space, whereby all interested parties feel wanted and accommodated, and consequently move together in one accord,” he said. “This will ensure that all like-minded leaders work together with their constituencies as united blocs without rancour to actualise the purpose of Azimio.”

 Maangi had previously expressed interest in the Kisii governor seat but shifted his focus to the senatorial post.

He has thrown his weight behind the UDA governor candidate, Nyaribari Masaba MP Ezekiel Machogu and his running mate Migosi Ogamba. “Leaders must offer authentic leadership  and  well-grounded thoughts that will serve the people’s interests,” Maangi said as he endorsed the Machogu-Ogamba ticket.

Eleven candidates have so far expressed interest in succeeding Ongwae — including former Chief Administrative Secretary Chris Obure, who is eyeing the Jubilee Party ticket; and former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara, also eyeing the seat on a Jubilee party ticket. Others include Manson Nyamweya (KNC) and Charles Chweya (ANC).